Feature: Rail Travel
➔sustainable in these straitened times? Virgin, which is negotiating an extension
First Group
of its franchise from March 2012 until the end of next year, is confident that there is still demand for first class. It has set the standard by providing a good business environment with meals and drinks included in the fare, but now it faces a four-way fight to retain the franchise. Passenger numbers have doubled, to 28 million a year, since it took over the franchise. “We welcome and thrive on
Virgin Trains
all competition, and anything that helps to get more people out of their cars has to be a good thing,” says a spokesman. “Our London to Birmingham route is extremely popular with some great value advance fares such as £22 first class from Birmingham to London, and nine out of ten customers between these cities choose to travel with Virgin Trains.” What you get in first class is far from consistent, with Virgin alone in including a full meals service until this year. Government-run East Coast has now followed suit, and has seen the biggest increase in first class usage
“What you get in first class is far from consistent, with Virgin alone including a full meals service until this year, but now joined by East Coast in doing so”
since its part of the network was privatised – setting a high standard for the new franchise operator due to take over in 2013. In the four weeks to August 20,149,000 journeys were made in first class – an increase of 25,000 journeys or 21 per cent compared with the same four weeks in 2010. “We’re concentrating our efforts on encouraging more customers to sample our re-launched first class by raising awareness of the added value of compli- mentary catering, and the trial extension of first class off- peak fares in our busiest market between Leeds/ Wakefield/Doncaster and London,” says an East Coast spokesman.
According to Capita Business Travel strategic business development manager, Raj Sachdave, there will be no rush to change first class – especially as several major franchises are due to be re-let in the next few years. “Chiltern’s move is welcome, as a lot of train operators have been thinking about what exactly first class offers,” he says. “Frequency isn’t great and coming into Marylebone
➔
Mainline has arrived.
Mainline is your fast, direct train service between
Birmingham and London. Mainline trains provide fast, comfortable travel. With a table at almost every seat, plug points and free Wi-Fi, it’s the perfect work environment on the move.
Try our unique Business Zone On our key peak services we also provide a Business Zone*. For just £20 you can upgrade to wider seats, larger tables for working, complimentary tea and coffee and a dedicated Business Zone host, all in a private environment ideal for concentration and productivity.
*Subject to availability
To set up your free Business Travel account call 0121 654 2115
www.chilternrailways.co.uk/mainline
18 I THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE Untitled-5 1 10/18/11 5:06:33 PM
Try
Chiltern’s fast new service.
Now from
only 90 minutes between
Birmingham and London
More tables,
powerpoints and Free WiFi
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